RARE Antique "The Expansive Pocket Bill hotsell Holder No. 1 Patented Nov 1868" Own a Piece of History 1868 Collectible Office Decor RARE
Such an Amazing Piece of History...This is "The Expansive Pocket Bill Holder, No. 1, Patented Novbr. 1868". This unusual survivor —an expandable pocket bill organizer— was manufactured from gilt-stamped and lettered black cloth (closely matching book cloth seen on publisher's trade bindings for the period) and stiff cardstock.
Historical Background Information On This Amazing Survivor from 1868!
In 1868 American you had to pay bills just like you do today. If you were the tidy type you may have had one of these collapsible pocket bill organizers on your desk. This was commercially produced and patented in 1868, think of this as a Victorian pre-iPhone Utility App. It functioned as an expanding and collapsible document holder.
Each of the bill holder's pockets are indexed for two letters of the alphabet. The index tabs are arranged in pairs. The vertical top-loading format held bills, receipts, payment vouchers, miscellaneous documents etc. The cloth bands at the bottom allow the folder to hinge open while at the same time preventing the holder's contents from spilling out. Another top elastic band mounted at the top keeps the folder securely closed
The self-proclaimed Expansive Pocket Bill Holder is gilt-stamped “Novbr. 1868.” The annual report U. S. Commissioner of Patents for 1868¹ notes a patent (No. 85,367) for a “Bill holder…in the form of a cylinder when standing…” issued to J. A. M. Collins of Keokuk, Iowa on December 29, 1868.
The identity of Mr. Collins finds him serving in the Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War and later as treasurer for The Sunset Consolidated Mines Company, a Colorado corporation primarily controlled by Iowans.
A very RARE and Wonderful Collectible! The Perfect Gift for the Collector that has everything! Wonderful addition to any Collection! Amazing Office Decor!
Measurements: abt 7.5" x 3.5" x 1"
Condition: Remarkable given its age. The inside is in amazing condition. Such a rare piece it most likely belongs in a museum. The wear from use adds to the charm of the item / the elastic strap is has lost its elasticity. Please review all photos as they are part of the description. No odors or stains this item has been carefully packed in acid free storage for about 40 years.
Note: When I discovered this amazing piece of history in the estate of a loved one hotsell I reached out via email to a professional appraiser. He suggested that this piece be insured for no less than $300.00 and most like more since this is an impossible item to find. Since I consider this a retail value I am attempting to offer it at a wholesale price to ensure it gets to a collector who will treasure it.
Will be shipped insured and with care to insure it arrives safely.
Please feel free to message me with any questions, requests or offers.
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